Plate recognition system for automated control of processing parameters

Abstract

The invention relates to processing imaged precursors such as lithographic printing plates. The invention relates specifically to adjusting a processing device for optimal processing performance using a pltae recognition system that includes a sensing and authenication subsystem. The processor is automated to make adjustments according to the information provided.

1 . A computer-implemented method for preparing lithographic printing plates, the method comprising:
 a) receiving qualified lithographic printing precursors according to a set of qualification criteria and a set of precursor data associated with the precursors, each of the said precursors comprising at least one imageable layer;   b) controlling an image-wise exposure of the qualified precursors to form exposed areas and complementary non-exposed areas according to an image bitmap and a set of imaging parameters and optionally removing the imageable layer in the exposed or the complementary non-exposed areas using an automatic plate processor controlled by a set of processing parameters associated with a set of precursor data retrievable from said controller.   and   c) storing said data associated with the precursors in a database.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  where said set of qualification data is associated with an interpreter and a set of codes in a code carrier attached to the precursors or a packaging material for the precursors. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  where said precursor data comprises precursor type, manufacturing date, or a plate property measured on a precursor sample in the same batch as the said precursors. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  where said where said property is the tonal value of a tint on an imaged and processed printing plate obtained from the said precursor sample according to a standard set of imaging and processing conditions settings. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  where the said existence of the precursor is determined from the precursor data. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  where the said set of processing parameters comprises the processing settings such as processor speed, and temperature. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the sensed data is used for storing the plate consumption and using the records for initiation of a plate order. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  where the said set of codes comprises an identification code and the said interpreter retrieves the codes and compares it to a data base. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  where the said controller with interpreter retrieves the precursor data from a database according to the identification code or from the precursor itself in case the data is incorporated on said interpreter in addition to the identification code. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  where the said set of codes is interpretable into the precursor data according to an industry standard without using a proprietary database and can be transferred automatically to the application that controls the devices. 
     
     
         11 . A computer-implemented method for plate precursor processing, the method comprising:
 a) providing a plurality of lithographic printing plate precursors each comprising at least one imageable layer;   b) qualifying the precursors according to a set of qualification criteria and a set of precursor data associated with the precursors such that steps a) and b) are repeated until qualified precursors become available to proceed to the next step;   c) arranging the qualified precursors into a stack suitable for automatic loading of the precursors onto an imaging device and optionally having separator sheets inserted between two adjacent precursors;   d) removing the separator sheet if present at the top of the stack;   e) loading the precursor at the top of the stack onto the imaging device;   f) image-wise exposing the precursor to form exposed areas and complementary non-exposed areas according to an image bitmap and a set of imaging parameters wherein steps d) through f) are repeated at least once; and   g) optionally removing the imageable layer in the exposed or the complementary non-exposed areas using an automatic plate processor operating according to a set of processing parameters, said set of precursor data is retrievable from an interpreter and a set of codes in a code carrier attached to the precursors or a packaging material for the precursors.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  where the said set of precursor data comprises precursor type, manufacturing date, or a plate property measured on a precursor sample in the same batch as the said precursors. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  where the said property is the tonal value of a tint on an imaged and processed printing plate obtained from the said precursor sample according to a standard set of imaging and processing settings. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  where the said set of imaging parameters is determined from the precursor data. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  where the said set of imaging parameters comprises the plate pre-drum alignment settings. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  where the said set of imaging parameters comprises the exposure energy. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  where the said precursor data is transferred automatically to a software application that controls the imaging devices. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11  where the said set of processing parameters is determined from the precursor data.